Putin reiterates support for Egypt

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday reaffirmed his country's total support for Egypt and its interim administration, according to a presidential release. In a phone conversation with Egypt's interim counterpart Adly Mansour, the Russian leader hoped that Moscow-Cairo relations would be promoted and developed on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, said the release. Putin lauded the results of recent talks between the defense and foreign ministers of Russia and Egypt in Cairo, showing Russia's interest in cementing cooperation with Egypt in infrastructure, investment, trade, manufacturing, security and military domains, the statement said. For his part, the Egyptian interim president said Egypt is keen to have strong relations with all active parties in the international community, affirming that closer relations between Cairo and Moscow would not be against any other country. Mansour invited the Russian leader to visit Egypt at the time he sees suitable, showing willingness to develop relations with Russia in various areas. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made a landmark visit to Cairo last week, showing the revival of close ties between the nations that the Soviet Union and Egypt enjoyed in the past.